Mary books

Monday, 1 August 2011

BOOK GIVEAWAY: Ray on Monday: Why Bother to Marry?

The right to the rite of Marriage is a hot topic at the moment. The Gay and Lesbian alliance are making emotive appeals for equality with heterosexual couples in the realm of marriage. The Christian Faith in particular is under attack because of its Biblical stance in defining this union between a man and a woman.

However, as I look at this issue I ask myself, “Why bother with marriage?” Apart from the Biblical teaching on it there is no meaning, no boundaries, no framework in which this beautiful, God ordained union has authority. Marriage, from the Biblical view, has its meaning from its creation and its symbolism. Reject that premise and you destroy the meaning and boundaries of Marriage.

The Bible declares God united Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply (read Genesis 1-3). The second aspect is beyond the natural ability of a same sex relationship. However the symbolism of Marriage points to a Heavenly event between Jesus Christ and His redeemed Bride, the Church (Read Ephesians 5:22-33). Every-time Christians marry it is a testimony to both these events.

Disparage the Biblical account and reject its authority means any type of relationship is acceptable. Should Christians lose heart as the Biblical teaching is sidelined and assaulted? Definitely not! Remember the Church was born into a similar pagan society and the disciples of Christ showed the amazing difference Christ and his teaching makes, especially in this arena.

We have the right to proclaim our faith and its value to men and women and our society, especially for the welfare of children. We do not have the right to be offensive or crude. The best and long lasting defence of Marriage is for Christian married couples to live together as the Scriptures teach, to provide a safe, stable and spiritual home for any children conceived.

Safeguard your marriage by making it a three way relationship, you, your spouse and Jesus Christ. Nourish your marriage through faithfulness in worship and honesty with each other. Refresh your relationship by praying for each other and spending time together. Keep the foundations of your relationship strong through knowing God’s word and obeying it.

Ray, happily married and confident in God’s reasons for making Marriage meaningful.

Win a copy of Ray's 31 Day Devotional book on Marriage, ‘From Eden with Love’. To enter in the draw, please leave a comment here and don't forget to leave your email address also here OR see details about his books on his page on Mary (and Ray) Hawkins website and send an email to the contact address there. Winner will be announced next Monday!

Lisa and Nickandkatherine because you posted the only comments we have decided to send you both a copy of From Eden With Love. Could you both please email your postal addresses to me at mary@mary-hawkins.comI don't think I have your new address either, Lisa.Thank you for your support of our blog.

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About Me

I am a multi-published, Australian romance author. Check out my Latest News page for updates about my books, current projects and speaking appointments.
As well as a few medical romances published by Harlequin Mills and Boon, I have contemporary and historical Christian romances from Barbour Publishing in America. My single title Baragula series were published by Ark House Press in Sydney. All my Barbour novels have been out of print for some years but available again as e-books. All three Baragula books are also out of print and will be released also as e-books. I still have a few print copies left to sell. See the Contact page on my website for details.
I enjoy being a member of writers' organisations, including my local Society Women Writers Tasmania, Romance Writers of Australia, Omega Writers Inc, and American Christian Fiction Writers.
I am available to speak and share about writing novels, my own writing journey and faith in our incredible God.
Watch out for my next projects: Delayed Dreams, a spin off from my Damaged Dreams Heartsong Presents book, and my next single title, Her Outback Cowboy.
Website: http://www.mary-hawkins.com"

Book Two in Baragula series

Book Three in Baragula series

Book One in 31 Day devotional series

Book Two in 31 Day Devotional series

Released from Even Before Publishing. Available from good Christian book stores and also as eBooks

Book Three in 31 Day Devotional Series

As well as from Christian bookshops, signed copies of all our books are availble direct from us. See our website and please email us for details. Ray's 31 Day Devotional books and Justice at Baragula are also available as E-books from Koorong and Word Australia bookshops and please check for Kindle..